Save Yourself From The Extra Drama & Cost
Many patients ask me about DIY orthodontics, but each time they do, I give the same answer: “Stay away!” The popularity of Sites like Pinterest and YouTube give people the false idea that if they do their research, they can do most anything at home. But when it comes to self-diagnosing or self-treating your health, DIY trends can cause major problems. These DIY kits are marketed as invisible aligner treatments that you can apply at home without the need of a doctor’s visit. You start by filling out a form online and pay a normal fee to request materials from the company. The company will then send you a kit to take an impression of your teeth at home. You send the impression back, and they propose a treatment plan. The plans are reportedly reviewed by a licensed dental professional, but you are responsible for monitoring your own treatment.
These kits have gained popularity primarily due to their allegedly low cost, but most cases, they cause more issues than they fix.
I see the appeal to these DIY treatments but is it my responsibility to inform people of their risks. The Number one problem with these kits is that they do not require an examination of patients’ teeth. For example, when a new patient comes into my office, I first examine the anatomy of their bone structure. This data is essential to determine whether a patient has bite problems. Working to straighten your teeth without taking your bite into considering can cause severe damage. The companies that pedal these products seem more interested in straight teeth than healthy ones. Additionally, these kits do not require an examination of gums. According to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. The prevalence of these periodontal issues is even more problematic when DIY treatments are used because the invisible aligner accelerates the disease process, ultimately doing your mouth more damage than if you had done nothing at all. Those issues result in you having to eventually schedule an appointment with an orthodontist, which, ironically, is what you were trying to avoid in the first place. As an expert orthodontist with over 25 years of experience I suggest avoiding this future disaster and booking a complimentary or virtual appointment with me. You can call or text 650-342-4171 today to schedule or visit our website https://alborziorthodontics.com/. With custom orthodontic treatments we have available for you and flexible payment options that work best for your lifestyle there really is no need for a DIY project.